The Superyacht Racing Association (SYRA) has announced the appointment of Tony Rey as president, marking a change of leadership from Kate Branagh who led the group for more than a decade.
Rey has served on SYRA's Executive Committee for the past two years, and was previously a US Olympic Team coach, part of three Americas Cup teams, a performance coach, race team leader and a national and world champion in his own right.
For more than 30 years, Rey has been a key figure at the highest levels of grand prix racing, from small one designs to TP52s, and has become a well-known face on the Maxi, J Class and Superyacht circuits.
"Tony brings a real wealth of experience in lots of roles, as a high-level professional sailor, project manager and industry professional," said Shirley Robertson, SYRA manager. "But more than that, he brings passion and an infectious enthusiasm for the wonder that is Superyacht racing. I’m sure Tony will expertly help steer SYRA into the future.”
Under his leadership, Rey is keen for SYRA to ensure the viability of its events, attract new participants and build a community of members that can help take the sailing superyacht sector from strength to strength.
“The last 15 years, I've been fortunate to race on some incredible superyachts. I’ve seen how the regattas have evolved, how the fleets have grown, how ensuring safe and fair racing has become paramount, and I want to continue to be part of the solution as Superyacht racing takes the next step," said Rey. "Whatever we can do to ignite enthusiasm for the sport of superyacht racing, to continue to legitimise it, to provide structure, to get a wider variety of yachts on the start line and to share this incredible experience with more people, I’m all for it.”
The 2026 Superyacht Racing season kicks off next month in the Caribbean with the Antigua Superyacht Challenge, followed by the St Barth’s Bucket.